Like little children, they whistle to the birds they would catch.

Promises and pretences they will furnish in plenty." He urged them on no account to begin any negotiation with the Governor, except on the basis of the immediate departure of the soldiery.

"Make no agreement with him; unless the Spanish and other foreign troops have been sent away beforehand; beware, meantime, of disbanding your own, for that were to put the knife into his hands to cut your own throats withal." He then proceeded to sketch the out lines of a negotiation, such as he could recommend.

The plan was certainly sufficiently bold, and it could hardly cause astonishment, if it were not immediately accepted by Don John; as the basis of an arrangement.

"Remember this is not play", said the Prince, "and that you have to choose between the two, either total ruin or manly self-defence.